The USA Has Betrayed Ukraine during yesterday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House ended in failure, revealing tensions and a lack of understanding between the allies. This event prompts reflection on historical precedents where the United States has failed its allies, allowing us to argue the thesis that The USA has betrayed Ukraine, which was predictable in the context of other historical actions of the USA towards its allies.
A Tense Meeting at the White House
On February 28, 2025, President Zelensky arrived in Washington to discuss key cooperation issues, including a planned agreement on the exploitation of Ukrainian natural resources. However, the Oval Office meeting quickly turned into a heated exchange. President Trump accused Zelensky of lacking gratitude for U.S. support, stating, “You are playing with the lives of millions of people. You are playing with World War III.” Vice President JD Vance also criticized the Ukrainian leader for his perceived lack of appreciation, asking, “During the entire meeting, did you say ‘thank you’ even once?” As a result, the planned press conference was canceled, and Zelensky left the White House without signing the agreement.
Historical Examples of U.S. Abandonment of Allies
Analyzing American foreign policy history, we see numerous instances where the United States failed to uphold its commitments to allies, prioritizing its own interests instead. Below are several such examples:
1. South Vietnam
During the Vietnam War (1955–1975), the U.S. supported South Vietnam against communist North Vietnam. However, in 1973, after signing the Paris Peace Accords, the U.S. withdrew its military forces, leaving South Vietnam without sufficient support. As a result, in 1975, North Vietnam captured Saigon, leading to the country’s unification under communist rule.
2. The Kurds in Iraq and Syria
The Kurds were crucial U.S. allies in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. However, in 2019, the United States announced the withdrawal of its troops from northern Syria, allowing Turkey to launch an offensive against the Kurds. This decision was widely seen as abandoning Kurdish allies, who had suffered massive losses in combating terrorism.
3. Iran in the 1970s
In the 1950s and 1960s, the United States supported Iran’s Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, as a key strategic ally in the Middle East. However, during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the U.S. failed to provide sufficient support to the Shah, leading to his overthrow and the establishment of an anti-American regime.
4. Cuba and Castro’s Revolution
In the 1950s, the United States supported Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista. However, in the face of growing opposition and the revolution led by Fidel Castro, the U.S. withdrew its support for Batista, enabling the revolutionaries to seize power in 1959. Soon after, Cuba became a close ally of the Soviet Union, leading to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
The USA Has Betrayed Ukraine – Parallels with the Current Situation in Ukraine
Current tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine fit into this historical pattern. Initially, the U.S. supported Ukraine’s integration with the West and its defense against Russian aggression. However, recent statements from President Trump and the lack of concrete security guarantees suggest that Washington may be ready to sacrifice Ukraine’s interests for its own economic gains.
The USA Has Betrayed Ukraine – Consequences.
If the United States decides to limit its support for Ukraine, the country could face a challenging geopolitical situation. The lack of security guarantees from the U.S. may encourage Russia to intensify its aggression against Ukraine. Additionally, other countries in the region may begin questioning the credibility of U.S. commitments, weakening America’s position on the international stage.
What Actions Should Ukraine Take?
In light of the shifting U.S. stance, Ukraine must take strategic steps to secure its national interests and avoid further destabilization.
- Diversify Alliances – Kyiv should strengthen relations with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Asian countries like Japan and South Korea. This could involve new military and economic agreements to reduce reliance on American aid.
- Invest in Defense Industry – Ukraine must boost investments in its own defense industry to become less dependent on foreign arms supplies. Developing new technologies, such as drone and missile defense systems, will allow for a more effective national defense.
- Strengthen Diplomatic Efforts – Ukraine should build a broad coalition of countries supporting its sovereignty. Active diplomacy at the UN and other international organizations can increase pressure on Russia and secure further financial and military aid.
- Ensure Internal Stability – Strengthening internal political and economic stability is crucial. Anti-corruption reforms, improved conditions for investors, and a strong civil society will make Ukraine more resilient to external pressures.
Consequences for Europe
If the The USA Has Betrayed Ukraine and limits support for Ukraine, Europe will face a new geopolitical reality with serious consequences for security, the economy, and stability.
- Weakened Credibility of the West – The withdrawal of U.S. support could undermine the credibility of the entire Western bloc, causing countries like Poland and the Baltic states to question the reliability of NATO security guarantees.
- Security Threats to Eastern Europe – Ukraine serves as a buffer between Russia and the rest of Europe. A weakened Ukraine could lead to further Russian aggression, destabilizing the region.
- Economic and Energy Crisis – Europe remains vulnerable to energy blackmail from Russia. A weakened Ukraine could lead to further disruptions in food and energy supplies, causing economic shocks.
- New Refugee Wave – An escalation of the conflict could result in another wave of Ukrainian refugees, straining European economies and increasing political tensions.
- Strengthening Russia’s Position – A perceived U.S. retreat could embolden Russia to exert more pressure on neighboring countries like Moldova and Georgia while testing NATO’s limits.
What Actions Should Europe Take?
If the U.S. reduces support for Ukraine, Europe must take decisive action to ensure regional security.
- Increase Military Support – EU nations should expand arms deliveries, including modern air defense systems and artillery.
- Create a European Defense Fund for Ukraine – A dedicated fund for arms purchases and military aid, financed by EU nations, would provide stability in Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
- Strengthen NATO Cooperation – Europe must push for deeper NATO-Ukrainian collaboration, including intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.
- Reduce Energy Dependence on Russia – Continued investment in renewable energy, LNG infrastructure, and nuclear power will reduce Moscow’s leverage.
- Support Ukraine’s Economy – Increased investment, trade facilitation, and sanctions on Russia will help stabilize Ukraine.
- Accelerate Ukraine’s EU Accession – Fast-tracking Ukraine’s EU membership will provide political and economic stability.
- Develop European Strategic Autonomy – Europe must build independent military capabilities to reduce reliance on U.S. security guarantees.
The potential U.S. withdrawal from supporting Ukraine threatens not only Kyiv but also European stability. The EU must take proactive steps to secure Ukraine’s future while strengthening its own security and economic resilience. A passive approach risks emboldening Russia and weakening the Western alliance at a critical moment in global geopolitics.
The USA Has Betrayed Ukraine – Conclusion
Yesterday’s brawl at the White House between Tramp and Zelensky highlighted, on the one hand, the pushy, ungrateful and demanding attitude of the Ukrainian leader and, on the other hand, the typical attitude of the leaders of the American nation who first push an ally into war and then, blaming their predecessors, wash their hands of it and refuse support. This is a very important tip for future US partners – remember: yesterday the Kurds, Vietnam, Iran, Afghanistan. Today Ukraine, tomorrow… Israel?